By: Villamor C. Visaya Jr.
(Published in its print edition on April 12– 18, 2025)
Keeping the country with villagers who are environmentally responsible and sustainably clean would start from the backyards of the people.
As a positive act, the activity to distribute waste bins to government agencies following the recent signing of a Memorandum of Agreement with FCF Minerals mining company is a laudable one.
At least 29 sets of waste bins, each set designated for biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and recyclable waste, were officially turned over to partner agencies.
Under the agreement of the DENR and partner agencies, the recipient agencies shall manage and maintain the waste bins within their areas of responsibility. They shall ensure regular cleaning, repainting, and repairs, and monitoring of proper waste segregation practices. In return, these agencies committed to maintain cleanliness around their premises. The initiative also complements the Green Spaces Program, established within the RGC in 2023. The green spaces aim to transform open spaces into urban parks to reduce pollution, prevent environmental degradation, and promote environmental consciousness among government offices and the public.
Hats off to Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan for citing the call for collective action in environmental protection, which she said as “…a shared commitment to nurture a regional government center that mirrors our deepest values — clean in environment, green in practice, and responsive in service.”
However, the activity does not stop there.
Disposal of wastes, as the Merriam Dictionary pointed out, means methods used to permanently discard unwanted materials, often through landfilling or incineration and vital in the collection, treatment, and final disposal of various waste streams.
Hence. Protecting the environment would include proper disposal to minimize pollution of soil, water, and air, and to prevent contamination and to protect ecosystems.
For the public health, improper disposal will lead to diseases, pests, and unpleasant odors.
Moreover, the economic benefits of reusing and recycling materials will conserve natural resources and reduce the demand for virgin materials.#
